A mild weather pattern continues this weekend and into next week as the wind direction remains south-westerly. Occasional rain, and often dull in the west. Confidence lowers later in the period, but it may become gradually cooler, with a risk of fog and frost toward next weekend.

Monday 12/12/16 A cool start across central & eastern Britain, a touch of frost in rural areas. Sunshine likely to turn hazy as cloud thickens from the west. Outbreaks of rain likely to affect western Britain & Ireland as fronts move in off the Atlantic, perhaps spreading across much of Wales & central-northern England later. The south & south-east of England should stay dry. A moderate south-westerly breeze. Top temperatures 7C east, 11C west.

Tuesday 13/12/16 Rain or drizzle affects south and south-western areas as a fairly mild pattern continues. Murky with extensive low cloud and hill fog in the west & south-west. Brighter toward the north-east, where clearer skies may allow a touch of frost in the morning. Much of Scotland & NE England may stay dry all day. A light to moderate southerly breeze. Highs 8 to 13C, mildest in south-west.

Wednesday 14/12/16 A mild south-westerly pattern continues, with fronts extending across north-western Britain & Ireland, bringing some persistent and perhaps heavy rain. Grey and damp for Wales & the south-west. A lot of cloud for most places, but eastern counties should stay dry, and may see occasional sun breaking through. Breezy in the west & north. Temperatures 8 to 12C.

Thursday 15/12/16 Low confidence. Fronts extend across northern Britain, bringing areas of rain or drizzle. Rain may push northwards and clear as pressure builds. Drier toward the south & south-east. Cloudy for most. Windy in the west & north. Highs 7 to 11C.

Friday 16/12/16 Confidence remains low as high pressure tries to build to the east, whilst fronts may remain active to the west of Britain. Most likely dry with a risk of fog in eastern Britain, but rain may affect the west & north-west. Highs 5 to 10C.

Saturday 17/12/16 Most likely cooler than previous days, with frost and fog possible across central and southern regions. Some rain may affect the north-west. Highs 4 to 8C.